Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour

If you’re after a different side of Nashville—beyond country music and hot chicken—this tour offers a chance to explore the city’s seedier, lesser-known past. The Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour by Revelry Tours is a 2-hour cocktail tour that takes you into the shadows of downtown Nashville’s history, blending stories of vice, crime, and entertainment. It’s not your typical sightseeing experience, but rather an adventure into Nashville’s darker, more clandestine corners.

What we love about this tour is the way it combines stories of history and intrigue with a touch of fun—you’ll visit historic establishments and hear tales that make the city’s more glamorous reputation seem all the more fascinating. Plus, having a knowledgeable guide means you get insider insights that you won’t find in guidebooks. On the flip side, some might find the focus on Nashville’s seedier past a bit macabre or prefer more traditional tours—this isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re traveling with kids or looking for family-friendly activities.

This tour is best suited to curious adults who enjoy stories of the city’s bizarre, thrilling, and sometimes grisly history. If you like discovering authentic local stories that go beyond tourist traps, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Dark History and Hidden Stories: Focuses on Nashville’s less glamorous past, including the Red Light District and “The Men’s Quarter.”
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.
• Historic and Cultural Sites: Visits include historic bars, Printer’s Alley, and the CMT/Ryman Auditorium.
• Worth the Price: At $35 for two hours, it offers a unique way to learn about Nashville’s seedier side with insider stories.
• No Drinks Included: While the tour stops at bars, drinks are not part of the ticket, so plan to purchase your own.
• Accessible and Flexible: Suitable for most adults; wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation add to the convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting at 600 Church Street, near Cornerstone Square, the tour kicks off with a meeting spot in a lively public space. From there, your guide—likely to be both personable and well-informed—leads you on a walk through some of Nashville’s most intriguing historic sites, with stories that are often a mix of fact and colorful legend.

First Stop: Standard Proof Tasting Room

This initial venue sets the tone, inviting you to consider the darker side of love, betrayal, and violence. You’ll hear how this bar is connected to tales of murder and heartbreak—a fitting start to a tour that’s all about stories that aren’t necessarily for the faint-hearted.

Mid-19th Century Red Light District: “Smokey Row”

Next, you’ll step back into the mid-1800s as your guide takes you into what used to be Nashville’s Red Light District. Here, the stories become more vivid, painting a picture of a city that, like many others of its time, had a lively, if illicit, nightlife. The emphasis on history helps you understand how Nashville’s reputation was shaped by these underground activities.

“The Men’s Quarter” at Dream Nashville

The next stop is the Men’s Quarter, a place once famed for indulgences—vices that catered specifically to men’s desires. Today, it’s a boutique hotel, but your guide will explain how the space once thrived on illicit activities, from gambling to more clandestine pursuits. It’s a great example of how Nashville’s past is layered beneath its modern veneer.

More Great Tours Nearby

Printer’s Alley: Publishing by Day, Mayhem by Night

No Nashville history tour would be complete without a visit to Printer’s Alley—a lively hub of both literary activity and nightlife. During the day, it was a publishing center, but by night, it attracted an array of characters involved in everything from jazz clubs to illegal gambling. Your guide will share stories of its dual personality, capturing the city’s vibrant, sometimes dangerous, nightlife.

Final Stop: CMT/Ryman Auditorium

The tour concludes near the iconic Ryman Auditorium, where the story takes a darker twist with the tale of Stringbean & Estelle, weaving together Nashville’s musical fame with its sometimes-gruesome past. This final story leaves you with a sense of how the city’s history is both glamorous and gritty.

The Value and Experience

While drinks are not included in the $35 ticket price, you’ll visit several historic bars and establishments that encourage you to purchase your own beverages. This arrangement allows flexibility—some might prefer a cocktail at each stop, while others may choose to sip quietly and listen to the stories.

The tour’s group size is typically small, ensuring an intimate experience where your guide can answer questions and tailor storytelling. The walking pace is comfortable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for most travelers.

What We Loved

The guided storytelling is a highlight—our reviewer Jenna shared that Nestor, her guide, was “knowledgeable and enthusiastic,” adding that he brought the history to life with interesting anecdotes. Many reviews mention how guides enhance the experience, making the dark tales more engaging and credible.

What Could Be Better

For some, the focus on Nashville’s darker past might be a bit too morbid, especially if you’re looking for lighthearted or family-friendly activities. Also, since drinks are not included, you’ll want to budget extra for beverages if you plan to indulge at each stop.

Practical Tips

Arrive 15 minutes early to meet your guide and settle in. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and consider bringing a small flashlight if you’re especially curious about exploring the darker corners of Nashville’s historic sites. The tour is mostly in the evening, which adds to the atmospheric mood—perfect for this kind of history.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults with a curiosity for Nashville’s more shadowy past. History buffs, nightlife lovers, or those who enjoy stories of crime, vice, and the city’s underbelly will find this tour especially appealing. It’s a fun, slightly edgy way to get to know a different side of Nashville, offering insights that go beyond country and cocktails.

If you’re seeking a light, family-friendly tour or want to stay away from the darker stories, this might not be your best pick. But for those interested in the seedy, scandalous, and thrilling stories that shaped Nashville, it’s a memorable way to spend a couple of hours.

The Sum Up

The Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour offers an unconventional, engaging glimpse into Nashville’s darker corners. It’s a well-paced, entertaining experience anchored by passionate guides who bring history to life through storytelling. The combination of historic sites and stories of vice and crime provides a different lens through which to view the city—one that’s both educational and frankly entertaining.

Priced at just $35, it offers solid value for travelers eager to explore the city’s seedier past without spending a fortune. It’s particularly suited to adults who enjoy storytelling, history, and a bit of adventure. If you want to see Nashville through a more provocative and authentic lens, this tour will satisfy your curiosity.

FAQ

What is the length of the tour?
The tour lasts exactly 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t wear you out.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll visit bars and establishments where you can purchase your own beverages.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most travelers.

What is the meeting point?
Your guide will meet you at the center circle inside of Church Street Park, so arrive about 15 minutes early.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot, and you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund.

Is this tour appropriate for under-21 travelers?
No, this tour is only for individuals 21 and older due to its focus on alcohol stops and mature stories.

This tour offers a distinctive way to understand Nashville’s complex history—perfect for those who enjoy stories of the city’s secret past, with engaging guides and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a history lover, a nightlife enthusiast, or simply curious about Nashville’s shadier stories, it’s a trip worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: